“We were looking for a program not only focused on loans and debt, but a more comprehensive program,” said Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Assistant Director Tara Micgiel. “It helps keep students on the path for financial success in college and beyond.”

This year’s Spring Fling hosted by the Office of Parents & Families Services grew to new heights after expanding the event to offer activities both Saturday and Sunday.

This also marked the first year where they extended partnerships with the NC State Police Department and Athletics to raise money for two service organizations: Special Olympics North Carolina and the Kay Yow Foundation. Through online donations and ticket sale proceeds, they raised more than $2,000 for their partners.

“Despite the cold weather, we had great support for this being our first year with these partnerships,” said Parents & Families Services’ Assistant Director Kerri Fowler.

More than 150 attendees came out in sub-freezing temperatures to witness Polar Plunge, an annual NC State tradition where 70 daring individuals plunged into an iced-glazed Lake Raleigh. The plunge reigns in the start of the NC State Police Department’s endeavors to support the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.